new on the shelf

Hello, Emma Memma by Emma Memma

Here she is! The wait is finally over, beloved children’s entertainer Emma Watkins’ next chapter post Wiggles has been unveiled as she makes a joyful transformation into Emma Memma. Emma Memma, with her love of dance, sign language and music, brings visual communication to the forefront of the children’s media space. She is empowering the next generation through movement, creativity, inclusiveness and friendship.

Published by Puffin Books. RRP $19.99.

Prank Queen by Zoe George & Dani Vee

Big Brother contestant and social media sensation Zoe George (The Subtle Mummy) joins forces with Dani Vee, host of the hugely popular Words and Nerds Podcast and author of My EXTRAordinary Mum, to create storytime chaos! Pranking and family games are a great way to connect. This book will light up imaginations and be read again and again whilst making you want to reconnect with your inner child and share the lighter side of life with the children around you. Published by Larrikin House. RRP $19.99.

Pasta! by Felice Arena and Beatrice Cerocchi

Pasta tastes delicious, but do you know that pasta names are also fun to say? Grab your fork and spoon and get stuck into this rhyming feast. It’s enough to make anyone hungry for PASTA!

From bestselling author Felice Arena and award-winning illustrator Beatrice Cerocchi comes a joyous ode to the food that everyone loves to eat. What stands out about this title is that it’s not just a counting book or A-to-Z of the dish—the children are actively involved with food, and perhaps controversially, playing with it!

Published by Affirm Kids. RRP $19.99.

The Incredible Tail of Little Roo by Ross Knight & Matt Weston

Better known for driving a bulldozer and fronting Australian seminal rock band Cosmic Psychos, Ross Knight can now add the unexpected achievement of children's book author to his list of talents. The Incredible Tail of Little Roo was inspired by an encounter Ross had with a slow moving kangaroo hopping 'up the guts of the road' while driving late at night. He woke the following morning with the idea for a story that involved a curious kangaroo, a pot of paint and a wild adventure across Australia where the loveable, yet wayward marsupial causes chaos far and wide.

Published by Love Police Books. RRP $24.90.

A Tale of Two Princes by Eric Geron

Edward Dinnissen leads a charmed life. He’s the Crown Prince of Canada, gets the royal treatment at his exclusive private school, and resides in a ritzy mansion. Billy Boone should be happy with the simple life. His family’s ranch is his favorite place in the world, he loves his small town, and his boyfriend is the cutest guy at Little Timber High. So why does it feel like something’s still missing? When Edward and Billy meet by chance in New York City, they discover that they are long-lost twins, and their lives are forever changed. Together, will these twin princes — ‘twinces’ — be able to take on high school, coming out, and coronations? Or will this royal reunion quickly become a royal train wreck?

Published by Harper Collins Young Adult. RRP $19.99.

The Breakfast Club Adventures: The Ghoul in the School

by Marcus Rashford and Alex Falase-Koya

From #1 bestselling author Marcus Rashford comes another exciting adventure full of fantastic friendships, high-stakes mysteries and strange goings-on! The Breakfast Club Investigators haven't managed to solve a mystery in months – and, even worse, Marcus is worried that the group is going to break up! So when Gbenga, the captain of the school basketball team, comes to ask for their help Marcus knows this might just be the Investigator's last chance to prove themselves.

Published by Macmillan Children's Books. Out April 26. RRP $16.99. Ages 8-11.

Huda Was Here by H. Hayek

Huda hatches a bold plan to help her dad get a job - which lands her and her brother in all kinds of trouble. A delightful and hilarious story from a CBCA award-winning author, about a lion-hearted girl who just wants the best for her family. When her dad loses his job as a security officer and has to work interstate, Huda convinces her brother Akeal to sneak out at night to make mischief, hoping to force their dad's bosses to hire him back. As their misdeeds escalate, will the daring duo be able to outsmart the authorities? How much are they willing to risk for family unity - and what else might they uncover along the way?

Published by Allen & Unwin Children. RRP $16.99.

Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters by Karen Foxlee

Miss Mary-Kate Martin might be anxious, but she's not scared of monsters. Travelling the globe with her famous archaeologist mother, Mary-Kate helps solve legendary problems in this fun fantasy adventure suitable for fans of the Travelling Bookshop or the Magnolia Moon series.

There are those who hunt monsters to harm them and there are those who hunt monsters to help them. Which one are you?

Published by Allen & Unwin Children. Out May 31st. RRP $15.99

Be Here Now by Meredith Gaston Masnata

Be Here Now will show you how to discover your ‘now’, building resilience and nurturing your own inner sanctuary by treasuring the world, just as it is now, in all its simplicity and authenticity.

The present moment, still and dynamic all at once, is the only moment we truly have. The past has gone and the future is not assured. Wonderful things worthy of our appreciation happen within and around us in every moment. And yet, all too often we seem to decline our timeless invitation to be here now — to be present. We can find ourselves lost in our thoughts of yesterday or our dreams for tomorrow, wishing to be elsewhere or other than ourselves; becoming consumed by distractions, or simply too busy to savour our lives.

Published by Hardie Grant Books RRP $34.99

We Only Want What’s Best by Carolyn Swindell

We Only Want What’s Best follows two very different women, Bridget and Simone, who aren’t friends, but as their daughters are in the same dance troupe –Expressions – they must keep up appearances as they fly to Los Angeles to support the girls in performing at Disneyland. Simone’s daughter Zahra is indisputably a leader in the group and knows how to wield her power over others, while Bridget’s shy and naive daughter, Becky, is a talent on the rise. This tense morality tale, set entirely during a 16-hour flight from Sydney to Los Angeles, deliberates what crosses the line when it comes to art.

Published by Affirm Press. RRP $34.99.

Time Magic by Melissa Ambrosini and Nick Broadhurst

This groundbreaking book will help you discover the surprising ways you’re losing time, the simple but genius techniques to reclaim it… and even how to make more of it.

It’s a refreshing, realistic, whole-picture approach that’s designed to help those who are tired of feeling time-poor and stressed out — including parents, entrepreneurs, employees, creatives, and anyone hungry for a more spacious, meaningful life.

Published by HarperCollins - Out April 5. RRP $34.99.

Mum jokes By Jessica Rowe

Definition of mum jokes? Like dad jokes but a lot smarter. Over 500 eye-rollingly funny, family-friendly, witty jokes, ready to bring out at any occasion. Over 500 eye-rolling, hilarious jokes, ready to bring out on any occasion.

We all know about dad jokes but isn't mum just as funny? Absolutely, she is. She's running circles around those lame dad jokes. Jessica Rowe has compiled an awesome collection of quick and funny jokes, already road-tested and 100% guaranteed to embarrass anyone's kids. An ideal present for any mum, any time.

Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $19.95.